the fact that hagel's record is troubling on the nation of israel, not a friend of israel, and the united states should stand unsthaikenbly with the nation of israel. >> the nomination is almost an intersection between national defense policy and fiscal policy. remember, ashley, automatic spending cuts that are to hit the pentagon at the tune of $500 billion in the next decade were put off by two months in that agreement that the president signed just a few days ago so defense cuts next round already upcoming on capitol hill along with all the other issues that a number of republicans raised with the senator. back to you. ashley: very interesting. rich edson at the white house. thanks. lori: joining us more with the nomination and how that could impact the spending battle ahead is the ceo and former minnesota governor. governor, thank you for joining us, thank you. >> good to be with you. thanks for having me. lori: what are your thoughts on the criticisms for defense secretary? do you think it's warranted? >> well, on the positive side from president obama's perspective, there's a decora